THE HAPPY SENIOR​

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A newer microbrewery in San Diego is Thunderhawk Alements. Founded by natives of San Diego; Bill Lindsay and Jonathan Barbarin. They have been friends for 26 years and have been brewing together since 2010. In 2014 Their passion for homebrewing turned to obsession, and their garage became flooded with new ideas, inspiration, and of course, brewing equipment. With encouragement and support of family and friends, they set out on a mission to open a small sustainable brewery. Thunderhawk operates a 1 barrel, electric brew house located in the Miramar area of San Diego, California with the goal of producing 200 barrels in their first year of operation, met that goal and still going strong ever since.

​Inspired by adventure and diversity in culture, Thunderhawk hopes to reflect experiences and tastes found throughout the world during their travels, while highlighting new beer styles and flavor profiles. They hope their customers feel good about how Thunderhawk beer tastes, how it’s made, and where your dollar ends up. All Hail the Mighty Thunderhawk!

When you walk into Thunderhawk’s, notice the stainless steel tanks, pipes, and hoses all working to make one of the best brews in the Miramar area. I would estimate if the equipment were stretched end to end, it would reach from San Diego to Bavaria, Germany. Maybe a slight exaggeration, but I didn’t have a measuring tape.Next, check out the bar's 4” thick rugged, twisted and gloss polished countertop. If you ask Jon and Bill politely, they may let you rub your hand gently across the surface. Beware, there is a rattle snake at the end of the bar that discourages ornery rascals, but normally harmless to the good thirsty folks of San Diego.

Check out the menu on the wall listing a plethora of custom brews. Take a couple of minutes to decide or ask for samples.Our favorite non-alcoholic drink is their honest-to-goodness homemade rootbeer. ​​​Recently, Jon’s father, Lloyd Barbarian was treated to a wonderful birthday celebration with family and great friends.

​In Carlsbad’s quaint village “The Happy Seniors” discovered a new eating establishment, The Shorehouse Kitchen, on State Street/Grand adjacent to the cities beautiful corner fountain and free parking lot. A beautiful indoor and outdoor seating restaurant among flowered trellises and succulents in pots.We were welcomed with a friendly smile from guest host Megan and choose outdoor seating in the garden like area. First, coffee for Gary and Tea for Nancy. Their coffee baristas serve over 28 coffee combinations from Espresso to Mochas. Calabria Coffee Roasters of San Diego provides a choice of Sumatran African and Guatemalan Central American coffee beans. Although not a coffee drinker, Nancy “perked” up when she heard about the Calabria coffee brewers because her fraternal grandparents immigrated from the Southern Calabrian town of Pianopoli in Southern Italy in the early 1900’s. But, if you’re a tea sipper, a plethora of every Black, Green, White and Herbal teas you can imagine are on the tea list.Our breakfast included a freshly juiced glass of Valencia Oranges. The eggs benedict dish and its superb hollandaise sauce almost brought tears to Nancy’s eyes. Served with free-range veggie –fed brown eggs from Eben-Haezer Poultry Ranch. Warm buttermilk Pancakes was complete with 100% pure Vermont Maple Syrup flowing over pancakes or French Toast.Bread, well, it’s delivered daily from Bread & Cie Bakeryof San Diego and local Prager’s bakery. Who can refuse hot buttered toast? If your “best friend” joins you for breakfast or lunch, The Shorehouse Kitchen has a separate Doggie Menu. In the front of the restaurant is a dog house; what dog can turn down a tasty lunch a short nap to rest those aching paws, and a cool sip of customer requested reverse osmosis water. The K-9’s menu favorites are; “The Treat” with tasty honey cured bacon bits, or maybe “The Brunch Bark Bowl” with free-range scrambled eggs with honey-cured bacon, or “The California K-9” with grilled and sliced chicken breast topped with scrambled egg whites. Sorry people, only dogs can order off this menu! Handicap ParkingIn the rear of the restaurant are disability parking areas and a handy ramp leading to the seating area for those needing a little extra assistance.Amtrac and the Coaster stops in Carlsbad just across from the cities free parking lot. This arrangement makes a perfect spot to have breakfast or lunch at Shorehouse Kitchen before hopping the rails. Here’s a fun idea, how about taking a 30-minute Amtrac round trip to San Juan Capistrano for the day? Stroll through the historical Rio’s area adjacent to the railroad station, and the historical homes converted into restaurants/gift shops. Few realize that the Rio’s area is the oldest continuous lived in town in California.

The Green Dragon Tavern & Museum

Green Dragon Tavern & Museum is a community centric restaurant, hospitality venue and must visit destination located in Carlsbad, CA. GDT&M opened its doors in 2014 with a passion to revolutionize hospitality by creating a memorable guest experience unlike any other on the west coast. We combine our appreciation for America, elevated social dining and community to create a destination that focuses on the commonalities we share that bring us together. We accomplish this through our highly acclaimed menu, classic American ambiance combined with comfortable Tavern feel, our free admission museum housing a collection of documents and antiquities that inspire and connect us with our nation’s heritage as well as our fun, friendly service dedicated to your social dining experience.Inspired by 18th century taverns, once the epicenter of communities, GDT&M is an enhanced replica of the original Green Dragon Tavern (hyperlink to Original Green Dragon Tavern page below) offering modern day amenities such as filtered water, buck shell free food, complimentary wifi and large screen LED televisions for catching your favorite team! All while embracing and continuing the historic traditions of providing good times and communal experiences.To learn more about GDT&M and all of the experiences available to you, please explore our site. We will look forward to your visit.

Hi,We are the Hood's and we live in Carlsbad about thirty miles north of San Diego, California. Gary, a California native born in Bakersfield, schooled in Ventura and later moved to Carlsbad. Gary retired from the electric utility industry as a power system operator. Nancy is from Pennsylvania and moved to California shortly after she completed her Radiological Technologist training. Those cold and snowy winters in Northeast PA persuaded her to move to a warmer climate with lots of sunshine.

The Mission Statement of this blog is to help Seniors live the best life possible with information about interesting places to visit, great eating spots, things happening in our community and useful information on how to prepare for unexpected financial and health events.

After church Sunday morning we purchased a loaf of bread and a pretzel from a group of teenagers selling Prager Bread for a fundraising project. And, of course, you know we just had to do our part. The pretzel was so fresh and delicous we decided to drop by Pragers for lunch. You have probably discovered that some of the best places are a little bit "off the beaten path" and this place is no exception. Location, location, location is the phrase we always hear about starting businesses or buying real estate, but, if you’ve got the goods, the people will come, or, if you build it or bake it, they will come. Pragers is tucked in behind several commercial buildings with a beautiful North County backcountry view. I sat near the window for the view and savored a turkey sandwich on sourdough and a hot cup of coffee. Yes, they have great sandwiches.We met owner Clinton Prager, one great guy, and he shared a photo with us. While eating lunch, a bicylist and his wife stopped in after traveling 15 miles from San Marcos. We overheard them, with a strong New England accent, tell the cashier they had searched everywhere and could not find another bakery with such a great selection and taste as Prager's artisan style of baking of breads.

See their website lessons on Breaducation - Everything you've always wanted to know about bread but were too hungry to ask; www.pragerbrothers.com/

Directions: At El Camino Real, turn onto Faraday north, make a left at Palmer and drive to the end of the road and you'll see Pragers on the left.5611 C Palmer Ave and Faraday. , Carlsbad, CA 92010 ​(760) 703-1904website, http://www.pragerbrothers.com/

​CARLSBAD NEWCOMERS CLUBWhether you’re new to our community or if lived here for some time, the Carlsbad Newcomers Club welcomes you to share in a variety of fun and worthwhile activities. Gardening, quilting, theater, games, culinary arts, film club, golf group, walking group and other great things to share with our neighbors. For over 50 years, the group has provided opportunities to make new friends, join in social activities and support the community. If want to meet new people and participate in local activities, Newcomers Club is for you.

​I have belonged to the walking group for several years and met several new friends. The walking group meets Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's and on Friday's we end our walk at a local restaurant for breakfast We welcome you to join in any of the groups meeting each week.Nancy Hood

Check out Carlsbad Newcomers Club website for more information: http://www.carlsbadnewcomers.org/activities

One of our favorite television travel programs, CALIFORNIA GOLD, was narrated and produced by Huell Howser. The program and still lives in the memories of tens of thousands of Californians who "traveled" with Huell Howser exploring California's "off the beaten path" locations. Small towns, historical landmarks and places of interest were Howser's favorite places to explore with his friendly and charming personality. His homey and often impromptu interviews with locals encouraged untold stories yet to be recorded in California history.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK'S - HALF DOME One of the natural highlights of Yosemite is Half Dome. The "mountain" is one of the most reconized granite formations in the world. It appears to be missing half of its majesty, due to glacial action centuries ago. From the valley floor Half Dome glows with the alpine glow each evening and has entralled thousands after discovery in 1851. Every year thousands climb the mountain from the easier North eastern route after walking the 16 mile long trail from Happly Isles passing the beautiful Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. The last 400 ft ascent to the top is completed by using hand cables attached to the rock in 1919, to help pull themselves up the glass like granite surface to the summit. The hike can be done from the valley floor in a single long day, but many people break it up by camping overnight half way, then continuing on north to the base of the northeast ridge of Half Dome itself. When the successful hikers reach the top, there's time to relax and take a well-desired break before heading back to the valley floor.

My father, Kimber Hood, soon after returning from WWII, climbed the Half Dome from the rear cable route. After reaching the top, he recorded his name and hometown of Bakersfield California in a book provided for victorious climbers.

​Pets in Coyote Danger
Weekly we hear and read about increasing reports of attacks on small pets by coyotes, larger dogs, and even hawks. Pets are being snatched away out of backyards or even while on
a leash. One dog owners reported they released their dog from it's leash while hiking on a trail, and tragically watched in horror their pet being dragged away in the jaws of a coyote hiding in the brush. Coyotes can be seen in the early morning loping down neighborhood streets searching for food, and It is no longer wise to let your pet outside unaccompanied, even on your property behind fences.

Government agencies have unsuccessfully tried to control the coyote populations and most attempts have failed. Even after a seventy-five percent reduction of the herds, they quickly regain their numbers due to the hardiness of the breed and increase food available.
The San Diego Union recently reported the real-life tragedy of a dog owner and how they dealt with the threat of losing their family pet. Their horrible experience prodded them to start
a business to help others, and after the newpaper article, their sales have skyrocketed.

“On September 2nd, 2014 we witnessed our beloved Buffy get snatched up in the jaws of a coyote. It grabbed her by the neck, shook the life out of her, and took off at full speed with our precious Buffy. We never saw her again. The coyote was too calculated, too stealthy, and too fast for us to stop it or save her. Since then we have focused on finding a way to protect our other dogs from a similar attack. After extensive testing and numerous prototypes, we have an answer to this threat that all small dogs face”. See their website www.coyotevest.com for their protective dog vests.

Another deterrent is available from a company called Coyote Roller, a roller tube when installing on the top edges of fences, physically throws off coyotes when they attempt to climb over.

​The Happy Senior appreciates nature and it's inhabitants and balance in our environment is important for human and animals and we can live together but a few suggestions would be prudent.

Never leave your pet alone in your yard after dark or early morning hours.

The Three Amigos​What do the following have in common? Village Pie Shop, Five Guys Hamburgers, Pelly’s Fish Market & Café, In-N-Out? If you answered, good places to eat in Carlsbad? You would be correct. But, better yet if you guessed three guys in Carlsbad know the better answer, you would have won a piece of homemade pie, a burger with peanuts on the side, a cup of clam chowder, and finally an Animal burger.These three guy friends live on the same street and meet Fridays at 11:30 for lunch, Joe, Dan and yours truly, Gary. The Three Amigos. The first thing we talk about after polite salutations, “where to today?” A few suggestions get tossed around, and soon we all agree, and off we go

Tamarack’s Village Pie Shop is a favorite of Carlsbadians and savvy travelers on I-5. The first thing you notice when you walk in the door are homemade pies. Fruit pies, cream pies, chocolate pies, and an eight-inch tall lemon meringue pie. Hint, the smarter seniors check the menu for specials that include a piece of the pie. Plus, where else in California can you find the mayor gathered with a group of friends and citizens in the local cafe? Stop by, shake hands and leave a few suggestions with the mayor over an omelet with extra cheese. On the way out, peruse the free book library; the sign on the shelve reads, take-one, leave-one.

​Pelly’s Fish Market and Resturant – Ahoy matey, order your fresh fish dishes and sandwiches at the counter and enjoy a cup or bowl of clam chowder fit for a weary sea captain. Unfortunately, at this writing Pelly’s is remodeling after a recent fire, so call for opening details.

Five Guys Hamburgers – What can I say, the hamburgers are so good, it takes five guys to flip a hamburger patty. Our niece works for the company as an HR officer and has the highest regard for the management and operations.

​In-N-Out - a California institution since 1948 and a maker of fresh hamburgers, fresh french fries, and real ice cream shakes. The menu hasn’t changed over the last sixty years, the same great burgers that Harry and Esther Snyder made in their first In-N-Out in Baldwin Park. However, there is an unadvertised menu including the Animal burger, the Protein burger (without a bun), and the Flying Dutchman (two beef patties and two cheese slices without a bun.) Ask about the secret menu and don’t try to sell under the same names because of trademarks.

​Now, why do we three amigos have the best answer?,because we not only enjoy good food but really enjoy our quality time together; to sit, share and laugh about our life’s paths. We don’t take ourselves too seriously anymore, but realize life events we once thought devastating or life-changing, all worked together for good and pieced together into a puzzle that brought us to this place in life; it wasn't so bad after all.

Note: We’re all enjoyed interesting lives. Joe, served in the Peace Corps, worked in business and became a successful author of several academic books. Daniel, a 94-year-old WW 2 veteran smiles as he so proudly wears his vet cap and attracts a lot of admiration for his service. Dan was also a successful realtor before retirement in Chicago. He lost his wife a year ago and greatly misses her. And, I, worked in the electric utility business in distribution and grid control. Though a California native, I lived in Washington State (still have moss between my toes) for 17 years working for the U.S. Gov't Dept of Energy and later retired with SDG&E.

If you're still driving that 1957 chevy, lowered in front with knitted dice hanging from the rear view mirror, this is for you. Alas, if you're driving a new Prius, you can come too.

​​As they say in some parts of our great country, “just a piece up the road” is North Countie's City of Vista, and they have a great resource for adult learning, called Vista Adult School, A variety of classes are offered from ages 18 years plus with many classes focusing on active seniors. Cooking classes, exercise classes, art classes, business education, and culinary arts. Especially beneficial for active seniors are fitness classes specializing increasing strength, flexibility, and balance for a better quality of life. Expand your horizons, get in shape and enjoy life. If you're interested in any particular field of education, exercise or art classes, please contact them.

Plus, if Business is your thing? They offer a streamlined curriculum to a well rounded training program whether you are changing careers, reentering the work force or wish to become employed in your first professional position. Training in the Principals of Business, Computer Operations, Bookkeeping, Computerized Accounting and much more!Check out their website, www.Vistaadultschool.org, we think you'll be surprised how many activities are available.​Yelp gives them a 4 out of 5 star rating - (One or two cranky old grouches must have woke up on the wrong side of the bed.) Note: the preceding comment was purely the author's opinion.​​School's location510 Sunset Drive, Vista CA 92081(760) 758-7122

​We have a wonderful friend who has Alzheimer’s. Along with our love for her and the sorrow we feel, we realize the special care and needs for those with such devastating conditions. Bathing, dressing and putting on shoes are all made easier with thoughtfully made products. Arthritis, diabetics, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s aids can often be difficult to locate, but we found a company called Silvert’s Senior Adaptive Clothing www.Silverts.com; they have a large selection of reasonable adaptive clothing for those with daily living and dressing difficulties. Silvert’s large inventory includes easy access clothing for women and men and specially designed shoes for dressing and comfort. Just click on website address above to access their store.

...The best discoveries are often unexpected pleasurable moments called serendipity. Those close to home spots often overlooked while right under our noses - just off the beaten path!​​​One such Off the Beaten path is Carlsbad’s Rancho Carrillo Ranch, a 27-acre preserved hidden gem in the coastal hills of Carlsbad. At least once a year, we visit this “step back into earlier California time.” It was originally an 1750 acre cattle ranch and weekend home of actor Leo Carrillo. We walk the paths meandering throughout the ranch or take a guided tour among the Bougainvilleas gardens, ancient cactus, adobe buildings, horse barns, the early California style swimming pool and barbeque area that once hosted movie stars and celebrities. A day at the ranch is a great opportunity to photograph the dozens of roaming peacocks left by Mr. Carrillo. The ranch is mostly original and carefully maintained, and if you listen closely you can almost hear the friendly laughter of Leo Carillo entertaining his guests. An accomplished actor in Broadway and Hollywood pictures and environmentalist, he was best known for his role as sidekick “Poncho” on the television show “The Cisco Kid.” During his off time, Leo rode the Ranch's hills on his favorite horse “Loco” rounding up stray cattle and repairing fences. The two rode in numerous parades including the yearly Pasadena Rose parade with Leo seated on a beautiful silver studded saddle. Because his love for his horse, Carillo later wrote, “a tall cross on the hill at my rancho marks the resting place of my greatly beloved Palomino horse, I do not consider it strange that I thus hallow the grave of a horse."Unfortunately, over the years and encroaching home construction, the cross has disappeared with the exact location of his best “friend.”

​The ranch is a wonderful and quiet place to take visitors and the family. In recent years it has become a venue for weddings in the gardens and around the sunny pool/barbeque area of Carillo Ranch. If you are considering a family reunion or gathering, it is reservable. The free (great price!) admission park is owned and nicely maintained by the City of Carlsbad and designated as a California and National Historic Landmark. Rancho Carillo is easy to find and a great place to relax and have fun as a couple or with the family. Let’s us know about your visit.

The park is open Tuesday – Sunday. Directions: From I-5 Carlsbad, take Palomar Airport Drive north, turn right on Melrose, turn right on Carillo Way, Take a quick right turn into 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Way Lane. Carlsbad, CA 92009